THIS IS THE MOMENT

On my last post I mentioned a couple of opportunities that I was waiting to hear about. On Thursday evening I was one of a few gentlemen called in to audition for a speaking role in San Francisco Opera's upcoming production of Cyrano de Bergerac starring the great tenor Plácido Domingo. On Friday I found out I won the role.

Needless to say, my life has changed. I have had to take an immediate leave of absence from my job at Max's Opera Cafe until next year. Rehearsals for the opera began today with director and designer Petrika Ionesco. My role is a fabulous one and quite comical. Petrika has added a scene at the beginning of the opera to introduce my character. I don't want to give anything away but I do have a kick-ass second entrance and a scene with Mr. Domingo himself.

I am over the moon, especially since I will still be able to continue my work at Hillsdale High as they 've been so accomodating to my new schedule and of course the Christmas show at San Jose Stage. They say ask and you shall receive, so thank you Lord, thank you Muse, and thank you to everyone who has offered their good wishes. I am eternally grateful for this opportunity and for what the future holds for me.

Cheers,

Martin

BACK AFTER SUMMER HIATUS

Helloooooooo!

My dear friend Courtney Stokes (who now has a new fabulous website) reminded me that I used to have this thing called a blog. It's been months since I have posted here and there's been soooooo much that's happened. Here is the short version:

Surviving summer was a task all in itself. Directing three shows at the same time is something I don't plan on doing anytime soon. Directing one show at a time, is something I DO hope I get to do again and soon because I loved it. What made this summer bearable was knowing that the work I did was appreciated by the companies that hired me to do the work and most of all, I am really proud of the work that was presented. Out of the two kids shows I did, I really loved directing Aladdin Jr. the most (sorry All Shook Up gang =+). The kids really surprised me when after the final performance they called me onstage and presented me with flowers and a huge hug (from all 52 of them!) and it was all their idea. That's something you don't soon forget. Here's a picture of the hug:


Directing Urinetown was a challenge, but I am thrilled with the cast I chose and the performances were really terrific. I could not have mad it without my amazing stage manager Sue Savich, who was my guardian angel throughout the entire process and my amazing choreographer and friend Dottie Lester-White. We got great reviews and I was so proud that Michael Lederman had the faith and trust in me to do it. I hope I get to come back to Coastal Rep to direct in the future.

After the summer madness ended, I started rehearsals for Fiddler on the Roof at Hillsdale High where I am working as their vocal director. I am having a wonderful time working there, especially when the kids are super nice and talented and the staff has been so welcoming. Yay! I am very much looking forward to going back to San Jose Stage Company, which has been my creative home for the past five years, in a revival of a show I loved doing: Every Christmas Story Ever Told. The Stage's Artistic Director, Randall King, will be taking the helm this time around. I am very excited to see what Randy will bring to the piece. We begin rehearsals at the end of next month - can't wait!!! I am also waiting to hear about a couple of other performing possibilities this year so keep your fingers crossed!

I have been seeing some incredible theatre lately and I highly recommend you check out Smokey Joe's Cafe at Bus Barn Stage Company and Jerry Springer: The Opera at Ray of Light - both great shows. I think Light in the Piazza at TheatreWorks has closed but it was just a beautiful piece of theatre. I get to see a few more shows before I'm booked up again so I'm looking forward to seeing Rabbit Hole at Coastal Rep, La Cage Aux Folles at BBBAY and Reasons to be Pretty at San Jose Stage.

I think that's all for now. I hope everyone had a nice summer and I hope to post a little more frequently. =+)

Cheers!

Martin